Wrestling legend Ric Flair says this former World Champion could step away from WWE as soon as next week

Does the Nature Boy know something we don't?

Former WWE World Champion Dolph Ziggler's storyline world could actually devolve into his real life world if wrestling legend Ric Flair is to be believed.

Ziggler is slated to face off against the Miz at next Sunday's No Mercy pay-per-view in a career vs. Intercontinental title match, meaning if Ziggle loses, he's done with WWE.

Despite rumors that multiple years remain on his deal, Flair commented on what he's heard on his podcast (via Uproxx)

"I've heard that [his contract is up] and I hope it's not true. He has too much left to offer to the business. I think — and I hope I'm not letting the cat out of the bag — I think they want him to work in the office. But he loves [living in] Phoenix and I don't know that that will happen. He can be with the company as long as he wants to be. He's that good ... he's in a good place.

...I hope he doesn't walk away from it this early, but if he does, I'm sure he's done well with his money. He's made a lot of money, so he'll be okay."

It wouldn't exactly be a stunner for Ziggler to walk away. After reaching the World title picture, he suffered a concussion and dropped all the way down the roster. One of the most consistent workers in the business, his place on the card doesn't always match his effort in the ring.

There always remains the possibility of Ziggler losing in a storyline effort, though Miz made it clear if he lost he would be completely done with WWE. As we've seen in the past, what makes sense to the fans doesn't always matter when it comes to those in charge.